Employment Services
Challenge vocational clients are funded by one of three different government agencies: the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Office of Mental Health (OMH), or Adult Continuing Career Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). Regardless of funding source, Challenge staff work with the people we serve to develop an individualized plan for vocational advancement or employment. Challenge services meet clients where they are to overcome their own barriers to employment.
ACCES-VR Services
ACCES-VR Services supports clients with a tremendous range of backgrounds and education. Some clients we support through ACCES-VR are attempting to secure their first job, but others might be highly accomplished professionals seeking to re-enter the job market or change fields. ACCES-VR funded services can also be used to provide extremely valuable career exploration and work readiness training as part of transition planning for students with disabilities.
OMH Services
OPWDD Services combine extensive, ongoing training and assessment at local worksites with a classroom based curriculum that focuses on such areas as self-advocacy, career exploration, general work readiness and necessary social skills development. For OPWDD clients who are ready for competitive employment, we provide an extensive discovery process and highly customized job development. Some of our OPWDD clients are able to secure their first job via a New York State funded internship with a participating community partner.
OPWDD Services
OMH Services are designed to support clients attempting to establish a routine and launch a job search as well as providing ongoing support and counseling to clients who want to maintain the stability of their current employment.
Challenge staff have close connections with business owners and hiring managers across Tompkins County and beyond. At any given time, we support clients at between 60 and 75 different employers. We encourage and support all of our clients to advance their careers through either promotion or pursuing new opportunities.
Challenge also provides benefits counseling for enrolled clients who are concerned about the impact of wages on their disability benefits.
For questions about connecting to eligibility for our services, please contact:
Briggs Seekins
Director of Employment & Vocational Services
607-272-8990 Ext. 51145 or
E-mail: briggss@aboutchallenge.org